La Parare

After a two week school tour of France, my two daughters and I were joined by my husband in Nice. We drove to La Parare (about a 30 minute drive) to meet our cousin and his wife. We were delighted to find a hidden treasure in the hills of Provence. Out of all the places we have stayed in Europe (EVER), this was by far the most exquisite, friendly, reasonably priced, and comfortable. It was a little difficult to find, but well worth the search. The property and guest house is beautiful...flowers everywhere, olive, fig, and cherry trees, lounge chairs sitting in the wild flowers beckoning you to come and read or take a long nap. The owners were gracious, informed, and offered suggestions of places to eat, things to see, drives that were scenic. Our accommodations were spacious AND elegant. We arose every morning to a decorated table set and ready for us (and the other guests) on one of the outdoor patios. We sat down and Karin and Sydney proceeded to bring out homemade breads and jams, carafes of strong coffee, fresh fruit, muesli and yogurts. We ate and talked and enjoyed the feast. It was difficult to leave the peaceful setting. We feasted, lounged by the pool, drank wine (the best we had in France, bought from Sydney), and slept in the cool quiet of our rooms. My husband and I will definitely return to this gem of a find. (Our girls who are 14 and 15 did not want to leave, either. They were welcomed by Karin and Sydney and enjoyed playing the piano, drawing the guest house, and petting the cat.)